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e e e project as soon as possible. He said the project could be brought back to the Urban Renewal Agency in two months if staff were to concentrate its efforts on the project. Ms. Wooten commented that the 8th and Willamette project was scheduled for completion in summer 1983 but the City Council had requested its delay because it would conflict with numerous mall activities. Mr. Obie stated that he was inclined to take no other action until the 10th and Willamette project was completed. Councilor Nichols stated she did not understand the relationship between the two projects. She stated that she might support the project if she was given this information, but she said the council has not yet received the Downtown Plan from the DC. Mr. Hibschman explained that both projects would affect portions of Willamette Street and the mall and that the intent of the projects were to solidify the mall. Ms. Nichols stated that she needed some assurance that the projects will not have to be redone at some future date. Mr. Hibschman said the 10th and Willamette project was preliminary to the Downtown Plan and was acknowledged by the DC. He said staff has studied other recommendations contained in the plan to assure that no conflicts existed. Ms. Nichols also questioned the reduction of 8th Avenue from four to three lanes; she felt that this reduction would create some problems in signaling. Mr. Hibschman stated that the Traffic Engineering Division had studied the project and had not found any problems with the reduction. Mr. Gleason stated that the project has been before the council for the past year and was delayed at the council's request. He stated that the early settlement money must be committed or problems with HUD will develop. In regard to the opening of Willamette Street between 10th and 11th avenues, he stated that this project had first been proposed as part of the Downtown Plan. He said it was a major design problem and will affect businesses; he added that changing the street design will require some time. He did not feel that approving the 8th and Willamette project will delay either of the projects. He believed that the entire area will be torn up if that area is chosen as the site of the shopping center but added that the shopping center project will not take place for three to six years. Councilor Schue stated that she was not convinced on the 10th and Willamette project, adding that she needed more information to make a decision. She questioned what effect the project will have on the transit mall on 10th Avenue. She commented that removing the overhead structure on 10th Avenue will cost approximately $150,000 due to the signalization involved. She felt that a public airing of the issue was necessary. Councilor Smith stated that she wanted some assurances that the 10th and Willamette project would not be affected by proceeding with the 8th and Willa- mette project in terms of funding possibilities and the timing of the projects. She also questioned whether the early settlement money could be reallocated to the 10th and Willamette project. Mr. Hibschman stated that the design work for the 8th and Willamette project was almost completed and will soon go out for bid, freeing staff to concentrate their efforts on detailed design work on the 10th and Willamette project. He said staff felt that finances will not be an impediment to the project due to the adequate amount of operating reserves in MINUTES--Eugene City Council April 11, 1984 Page 9